Monthly Note | Februay 2024

Craig shares musical building blocks of choral music at the Symphonic Choir's first rehearsal.

At last week's first rehearsal of the Symphonic Choir, Craig spoke about the musical building blocks of choral music. Watch and listen for your own master class in singing with Conspirare.

Conspirare Celebrates the GRAMMYs

Artists, composers, and co-creators of Conspirare's House of Belonging recording gathered in LA to celebrate our 7th nomination for Best Choral Performance. We congratulate the Helsinki Chamber Choir for their win.

House of Belonging features Conspirare vocal artists, along with the Miró Quartet, performing new works by composers Alex Berko, Shara Nova, Kevin Puts, Michael Schachter, and Derrick Skye.

Critics and listeners are praising the recording:

"Many of the performances are so powerful, one can’t help but be awed by their beauty.” -Textura Magazine
55,655 streams on Spotify.
Top 3 Streamed Tracks: “Reaching,” “Home,” and “Black Ocean.”
The 3-part podcast is taking listeners behind the scenes of the music.

Listen.

Craig Invited to Bring Modern Choral Initiatives to Oregon Festival

Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare artistic director and founder, will expand his leadership of bringing modern choral music to global audiences by joining the Oregon Bach Festival. "I love this festival," says Craig, "and this specially designed framework of seeking artistic sparks and inspiration from a circle of collaborating creatives feels fresh, vibrant and truly contemporary."

Learn more.

The Joy of Singing with 89 Others

After weeks of auditions, 90 singers were invited to join Conspirare's Symphonic Choir. Last week the group began rehearsing for their May concert, My Heart Be Brave which includes Howard Goodall's modern requiem "Eternal Light." The excitement for singing together was electric. "It's been a while since I've sung with a group like this," says bass Sam Johnson. "Music was once one of the pillars of my life, a source of spiritual wonder and great joy. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until it washed over me again."

Spotlight on Marvin Brittman

Conspirare is grateful to board member Marvin Brittman for serving as chair of Hidden Music: PearlEssence. As one of the most joyous listeners you’ll ever meet, Marvin has a deep passion for music of all kinds. You might find him at Conspirare, in the mezzanine for the Austin Symphony, listening to Pink Martini at The Paramount, enjoying country or rock headliners at ACL Live, or at a venue with a 90s cover band. As he describes it, “The first time I got involved with Conspirare was when a friend took me to my first mesmerizing Christmas concert. The ethereal experience of hearing those harmonious voices resonating through the hall was captivating and inspired me to seek out ways to become a part of such a beautiful musical community.” Hidden Music: PearEssence is an intimate evening of song led by Craig Hella Johnson, with exceptional food, and revelry celebrating 30 years of Conspirare's impact.

Choral Music Voicing the Black Experience

Hear the powerful resonance of Black composers and Black-led choral ensembles that spotlight the voices that have shaped our collective music histories.

Listen to the playlist.

Upcoming Conspirare Events

This spring, Conspirare invites you to come closer. Experience the glorious choir concerts you love from our Symphonic Choir, intimate musical moments with Conspirare soloists, a variety of music and vocal sounds from our new Artist Citizen Choral Collective. As we celebrate our 30th year of song we are making something new for you through the alchemy of human voices and our belief in music to transform, heal, and connect people everywhere.

Tickets will go on sale in March! Watch your inbox for details.